Thanks Chris Estey for the kind words. “Just got this slinky, crunchy, very naughty STAG 45 in my box (eek!). It’s a true delight, a great sample of the superb vinyl releases from HockeyTalkter Records. I’m sent back into a summer night of my past, Columbian pot-wafting trailer park yard under glittering coals of stars, sharing a sleeping bag with Janie, whose brother John made out with Rhoda nearby in their own bag. Summer stoned and deep tongue kissing for the first time, and the chorus of this song tickles like anything by the Sweet and stomps like pop Slade. The flip “Runner” has a buzzy Badfinger jog to it (“I’ve been making the same old jokes / living on rum and cokes / get me high!!”); both choruses on this new single are true boss. Thanks boys! Right on”.- Chris Estey
KEXP LOVES STAG!
Stag is a band from the northwest whose making ripples in the water of Seattle rock. Formed in 2010 by a host of some of the city’s finest musicians, Steve Mack (vocals), Ben London (guitar), John Randolph (guitar), Rob Dent (drums), and Pete Everett (bass), the group is highly evolved. By mixing pop rock from the late ’60’s and early 70’s with straight ahead rock, the group has avoided the “Deathcab” stereotype and have forged their own path, “We love so many bands, it’s hard to pinpoint,” says London, “I guess a Stag’s DNA includes strains of Cheap Trick, Big Star, T-Rex, but also English power pop rock bands such as the Hollies and the Sweet.”- KEXP
THE BEDAZZLER IS HERE!
STAG’s new 7″ is here
Released on Pearl Jam guitar player Mike McCready’s HockeyTalkter Records.
The latest recording from Seattle Power Pop purveyors Stag is a full-on chooglin’ slice of stomp-worthy boogie evoking early ’70s glam. Let’s just say Marc Bolan would be proud. A limited edition colored vinyl 45, featuring iconic cover imagery from famed NYC ’70s-era photographer Meryl Meisler, is a rager!. Recorded by Jack Endino and mixed by Martin Feveyear, the single captures the members of Stag laying down their most ambitious songwriting, and production to date. “The Bedazzler” burns hot live and will sound perfect mixed in with artists like T- Rex, Ty Segall or Eagles of Death Metal on any radio station or playlist. Hear it now in all its glory!
Debuted yesterday on Seattle Radio Station KEXP, the Bedazzler is ready for action!
New STAG Video – These Times
Broken Hearted Toy Review
It’s not surprising to find references to record stores and record players on Stag’s self-titled, full-length debut. Or for that matter, a faithful cover of Eric Carmen’s “Get The Message” from his days with Cyrus Erie in 1969. The Seattle-based Stag, fronted by vocalist Steve Mack of the UK’s That Petrol Emotion, packs a power pop wallop that harks back to an era when Cheap Trick and Carmen’s better-known group, The Raspberries, pretty much released everything on vinyl.
Stag’s chief songwriter, guitarist-singer Ben London, draws from a variety of influences, such as The Who on the energetic “Ides Of March,” and the original British Invasion on the catchy and fun tribute to indie labels, “Love Her Records.” London’s knack for satire shines through on the galloping “Chameleons,” with its images of diners fighting over a check and urgent chorus of, “What are you waiting for, you’re running out of time.” The rollicking “Tiffany Rose” depicts a woman so caught up in the latest trends, she disappears within her high fashion clothes and make-up. Mack offers a wide range of vocal styles throughout these 12 tracks, and creates some inventive harmonies with London and guitarist-vocalist Lincoln Barr.
Seattle Weekly Review
Nice review from the Seattle Weekly
Stag, Stag (out now, Fin Records, themightystag.com): Stag is a sort of indie-rock supergroup, with an inaugural full-length produced by indie-rock super-producer Jack Endino. Their tunes are tight, exuberant, and fun, characteristics that feel oddly nostalgic—in a wholly positive way—when set against the mopier acoustic fare which is emblematic of the Seattle scene today. MIKE SEELY (Fri., Jan. 25, Barboza)
Powerpopaholic Review
Powerpopaholic just posted a great review of the new Stag LP. Check it out!
Stag “Stag”
After an impressive EP last year, Seattle’s Stag presents its new self-titled LP chock full of pretty pop melodies and big hook filled guitar riffs. Similar to Cheap Trick, Big Star, Redd Kross and Guided By Voices it blasts off with “These Times,” a strong anthem for you to get up and take action.
For those who worked in record stores ”Love Her Records” is a great tribute with its Big Star riff. “Don’t Lead With Your Heart” is another melodic gem about another heartbreak, and overall there are no real duds here, although the slower tunes don’t resonate as much. Other standouts include: “Tiffany Rose,” Ides of March” with a cool horn flourish, and my favorite here -”Don’t Call Me” with its classic power pop rhythm.
